Jeff Rowland Capri preamp

The Master Set optimizes the interaction between your speakers and your room. . . I thought my Mahlers sounded already good as I had 'set them up' by my own self. I was kindly disabused of that notion. While there is nothing magical or Newagish about the entire process, in effect the final result is quasi. . . Magical.
Yes, it would appear the Capri is extremely extended at both ends. Not sure if you could classify it as 'tuby' in the midrange though. I cannot detect an emphasis of midrange fundamentals per se or of subjective 'warmth' that I would not be personally wild about. Rather, I am hearing more harmonic texture than I am used to, which subjectively to me sounds 'musical'. The Capri I have in the system right now is apparently straight out of the factory. . . . how it will sound after 500 hrs of stout breakin can be only left as an exercise to my feverish imagination.

Cytocycle:

I turn my Rowland 201's off at the back when I'm not using them. I'm concerned that a transient on the power line could cause a noise pulse from the amps which could damage my speakers.

Guidocorona, thanks for the reply. Sounds like the Master set is a must have. Will have to set up an appt. with Rod soon. After you've got the Capri broken in, mind if I borrow it ( just kidding). Again, thanks for the info.

A_hayman: You should contact Rowland about your concern but my understanding of the amplifiers operation: They remain in standby consuming 7watts, they are waiting to get a active input from the preamp (when you turn on the preamp and present a signal) before the outputs of the amplifier are activated. You sound is severly hindered by not letting them stay on. If you are concerned pickup a Transparent Power Conditioner for the ultimate in protection Without limiting those amplifiers.

Rod did my Master Set also. I think it's critical to get that done before you start trying to evaluate equipment. Yes, you can evaluate equipment without a Master Set, but stopping the fight between the speakers and the room removes much stress (probably IM distortion)that makes it harder to hear the little refinements. When the speakers are working right, then the smaller difference pop out so much easier.

Dave